Network Engineer

Akaasa Technologies; Iowa; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Akaasa Technologies is seeking a Network Engineer Lvl 1 to assist with deployment, configuration, and maintenance of our network infrastructure in a controlled environment.

The role involves Layer 1–2 troubleshooting, VLANs, and collaboration with cyber and compliance teams, with after-hours support as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree in IT, CS, networking or related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of network support or engineering experience.
• Basic understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, routing & switching, security.
• Experience with Cisco networking equipment.
• Familiarity with network monitoring/troubleshooting tools.
• Ability to read network diagrams and documentation.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well in a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with deployment and installation of network infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks.
• Provide Cisco device provisioning and configuration.
• Support VLAN implementation and network segmentation.
• Participate in upgrades, migrations, expansions.
• Monitor performance and respond to incidents.
• Maintain network documentation and asset inventories.
• Support testing, validation, and turn-up activities.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams on secure practices.
• Follow nuclear facility safety, security, and procedures.
• Escalate complex issues to senior engineers.
• Support after-hours maintenance windows.

Skills

CCNA certification

Cisco IOS

Network troubleshooting

TCP/IP

DNS

DHCP

VLANs

Routing & Switching

Security Fundamentals

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in IT/CS/Networking or related field

Tools

SolarWinds

Wireshark

Cisco DNA Center

Microsoft Office

ServiceNow

Job description

Network Engineer Lvl 1

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with deployment and installation of network infrastructure including switches, routers, firewalls, wireless access points, and structured cabling.
• Perform Layer 1 and Layer 2 network troubleshooting.
• Provision and configure Cisco network devices according to established standards.
• Support VLAN implementation and network segmentation initiatives.
• Participate in infrastructure upgrades, migrations, and expansion projects.
• Monitor network performance and respond to network-related incidents.
• Create and maintain accurate network documentation, diagrams, and asset inventories.
• Support network testing, validation, and turn-up activities.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity and compliance teams regarding secure network practices.
• Follow all nuclear facility safety, security, and operational procedures.
• Escalate complex issues to senior engineering resources when appropriate.
• Support after-hours maintenance windows as required.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Networking, or related field preferred.
• 1-3 years of network support or network engineering experience.
• Basic understanding of:
  • TCP/IP
  • DNS
  • DHCP
  • VLANs
  • Routing and Switching
  • Network Security Fundamentals
• Experience working with Cisco networking equipment.
• Familiarity with network monitoring and troubleshooting tools.
• Ability to interpret network diagrams and technical documentation.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.
• Experience supporting utility, energy, industrial, manufacturing, or critical infrastructure environments.
• Understanding of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) or Operational Technology (OT) networks.
• Knowledge of network access control solutions.
• Experience with fiber optic infrastructure.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks and regulated environments.
• Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure deployment projects.

Technical Skills

Networking

• Cisco IOS
• Layer 2 and Layer 3 Networking
• VLANs
• STP
• Routing Protocols (Static Routing preferred; OSPF knowledge a plus)
• Wireless Networking

Tools

• SolarWinds
• Wireshark
• Cisco DNA Center (preferred)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• ServiceNow or similar ticketing systems

Infrastructure

• Structured Cabling
• Fiber Optics
• Rack and Stack Activities
• Patch Management
• Equipment Turn-Up and Validation